Grants

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool municipalities can use to support revitalization and redevelopment efforts in specific areas by offering programs such as grants, loans, and other incentives to encourage property improvements and community enhancements.

Learn more about Community Improvement Plans.

Are you an artist, performer, or group with a creative idea? The Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund helps bring exciting arts and culture projects to life in our city. Each year, we support local projects that engage the community in arts, culture and heritage-related activities.

Learn more and apply for the Cultural Development Fund.

Visit the Niagara Falls Business Development section to learn about development charge grants for industrial developments.

The Designated Heritage Grant helps owners of designated properties cover the cost of restoring and preserving them.

Learn about eligible properties and how to apply on the Designated Heritage Grants page.

Activity subsidy fund

Need help paying for a community activity like soccer, dance, music, skating, or baseball? The Recreation Committee and community partners offer grants and funding to make recreation more affordable (not applicable to city-run recreation programs).

This fund helps with registration and equipment costs.

Criteria:

• Live in Niagara Falls
• Show that you need financial help
• Complete the online application and a financial need form

Funding amount: Maximum $500 per person each year (not guaranteed).

Policy: Review the Activity Subsidy Fund Policy

Apply:

• A social worker, teacher, or community helper can complete the form for you
• You may be asked to chat with our staff
• Be sure to include a brochure or link showing the program name and cost, plus the name and email of your financial verifier

Apply for the activity subsidy grant

Competition grants

Are you competing in a sport at the Provincial, National, or International level? The Recreation Committee and community partners offer grants and funding to make recreation more affordable (not applicable to city-run recreation programs).

Criteria:

• Be an amateur athlete
• Live in Niagara Falls
• Have qualified through local or regional competitions
• We don’t fund invitational-only events that don’t require qualifying

Policy: Review the Financial Assistance for Provincial, National, International Championships

Apply for Provincial, National, International championships Funding

Leadership training

Want to become a coach or leader in sports or recreation? We can help with the cost of courses like coaching clinics and seminars.

The Recreation Committee and community partners offer grants and funding to make recreation more affordable (not applicable to city-run recreation programs).

• We cover Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) or a similar program
• We don’t fund courses that are needed for paid jobs (like getting certified to become a paid referee)

Policy: Review the Financial Assistance for Leadership Training Funding Policy.

Apply for a leadership training grant

This program helps families enjoy city-run recreational programs.

Learn more and apply on the Municipal Fee Assistance page.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program

• Committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more
• For ages 4 to 18 years
• Learn more and apply online at Jumpstart

KidSport Niagara

• Helps cover sports registration fees
• For ages 18 years and under
• Contact KidSport at 416-899-9106 or info@kidsportontario.ca
• Learn more and apply at KidSport

Matthew Daniele Memorial Fund

This fund was established in memory of Matthew Daniele. It supports families who need access to sport and recreation opportunities. The fund is generally accessed through referrals. Local organizations will contact it on behalf of families in need.

Call 905-374-3915 or email for details.

If you’re a low to moderate-income senior, you may be eligible for up to $500 back on your property taxes.

Visit the Government of Ontario website for more eligibility information and instructions on how to apply through your annual tax return.

• Government of Ontario – Senior Homeowner’s Property Tax Grant

You can also learn about City of Niagara Falls programs that you may qualify for. Learn more on the Water and Property Tax Relief Programs page.

Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre is a provider of Starter Company Plus, which is an Ontario government program that provides Ontario residents, over the age of 18 and not attending school full time, with the resources and knowledge they need to start, grow or purchase their own business.

Learn more and apply on the Niagara Falls Business Development site.

Are you a student looking to start a summer business? The Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre provides the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company Program.

Learn more about Summer Company.